Palace allays fears of abuses under Mindanao Martial Law

Posted: 2017-Jun-19 13.01.44 UTC+0800

MANILA — Malacañang on Sunday, June 18, welcomed the statement of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) that there has been no incident of human rights abuses reported since President Rodrigo Duterte placed Mindanao under martial law last month.

"We welcome the remarks of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) that there have been no reports of human rights abuses and/or violations committed by authorities after the President placed the whole island of Mindanao under martial law," Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said in a statement.

Abella said this development should put to rest the fears and anxiety of some quarters over martial law.

"As we said in previous occasions, public safety is foremost in the President's mind in light of the continuing rebellion in Marawi and martial law is a necessary response to address the prevailing reign of terror and its potential spillover to the rest of Mindanao," Abella added.

The Palace official, meanwhile, reiterated that the President will respect the decision of the Supreme Court (SC) on his declaration of martial law.

"The President's media interview yesterday (Saturday) after visiting the troops in Butuan underscores that he adheres to the rule of law and judicial independence," Abella said.

"President Duterte made it clear that if the Supreme Court decides against the declaration of martial law, he would pull out the military in Marawi City on the ground that the High Court does not believe there is a rebellion," he added.

He noted that the Chief Executive likewise made it clear that if and when there is another similar incident of rebellion, when the public safety requires it, the President being the Commander-in-Chief "would again declare martial law and police power given to the executive by no less than our Constitution." (PNA)